Brian Edward Wakefield

Oct 5, 1962 -

Dec 31, 2024

Brian Edward Wakefield, a beloved husband and friend, passed away after a courageous three-year battle with leukemia, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of resilience and kindness.

Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, to parents Chester and Helen Wakefield, Brian graduated from West High School in 1980 before studying business at Washington State University and the University of Alaska Anchorage. In 1986, he met Shirley Nelson, a teacher and principal in bush Alaska. They married on Aug. 20, 1989, at the Nelson family farm in New Sweden, Maine, and raised their foster child, Golga Sakar, while building a loving life together in Eagle River and Anchorage.

Brian worked in project management and sales, excelling in the power generation field at AK Power Systems, part owner of Precision Power, moving on to Marsh Creek and Performance Power Concepts Inc. He was also a skilled carpenter, as he built their family cabin in Trapper Creek. Brian loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, snowmachining and hiking, as well as traveling to Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii.

True to his Finnish - SISU heritage, Brian faced his illness with stoic determination. We would like to thank the doctors and medical staff at the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale for their dedication and kindness, and for all the other care he received along the way. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; many cousins; dear friends; brother-in-law, Jeff Allen; niece, Hazel Allen; and close friend, Renee Brumley. He is predeceased by his parents, Chester and Helen; and brother, Riley. His warmth and steady presence will forever remain in our hearts

A celebration of life will be held in Alaska in spring 2025. Please visit Thompson Funeral Chapel, DignityMemorial.com, in Goodyear, Ariz., to share memories or pictures.